More than 100 BHP residents packed a picnic and enjoyed a glorious day down on the farm following the first day trip of 2008 to Willows Farm Village in Hertfordshire (24 May).

The half term day trip was jam packed with things for youngsters to do, see and learn including feeding the animals, taking a visit to a miniature mouse town, sheep racing, play barns and bird displays.

The farm also had its very own shop and restaurant where they sell their own produce and there was lots of open spaces for picnics.

BHP resident Naciye Hinds of Windmill Court, North Kilburn said: "I have never been on a farm and I really enjoyed the day".

"My niece had a lovely time especially on the bouncy castle", said Thelma Johnson of Joules House South Kilburn.

BHP's Managing Director Helen Evans said: "Last year we asked our residents what activities they would like us to offer and the response was clear - day trips!

"Getting away from London and escaping to the countryside is something most people enjoy and it allowed a lot of our young residents as well as the older ones to get up close to animals you don't get to see every day.

"Trips like these are also of great benefit to BHP.

"To have such a large group of our residents in one place is rare. We used the event as an opportunity to engage them, we asked them to fill out questionnaires about the services we provides such as ASB or Neighbourhood Services and to suggest ways they can be improved.

"At the moment we are carrying out environmental improvement works on BHP estates. We asked them to propose three ways we could improve the area they live in. All there responses are being collated and will be put to the area housing boards later this year who will then decide what works will be carried out where.

"Surveys such as these are vital as we are continually trying to improve the service we provide. Where better to get feedback on our services then from the people who use them!

"Our BHP officers were also on hand if residents wanted to know more about what we do or to answer general questions. It was also a great way for residents to meet neighbours and for us to meet them."